As I write this, I am looking within myself to take stock of how I feel. Here’s why: there are happy thoughts, sad thoughts, and worry-thoughts racing through my head.
Why sad?
Unexpected deaths in the family.
Why worry?
Loved ones in hospital.
I won’t go into the details, since we are already dealing with these things and one way or other, we’ll get to the stage of this-too-shall-pass.
In the meantime, we’re reaching into our limitless container of magic potion labeled gratitude to help us get through this. We are focusing on the good stuff, feeling grateful for what is, rather than waste our energy on what isn’t.
We are grateful that the loved ones who left us did not suffer, and have left a legacy of love and kindness to remember them with, that we met them recently and spent happy moments with them.
We are grateful that, for the loved ones in hospital, care is available and affordable. And then there’s hope, because we believe in miracles.
We’re grateful that even though the demonetization drive to fight corruption and clean black money by our PM was inconvenient, in terms of the present currency notes ceasing to be legal tender, we’re really better off than millions of people. We use plastic for most of our expenses. What about those who have to stand hours at an ATM, only to be disappointed when they find out it has run out of cash? Or those who never even had the money to begin with? Sigh!
Yesterday, I was a little sad that our son wasn’t home to celebrate his birthday–and I don’t mind confessing I cried when I saw him on Skype–but I quickly wiped my tears and focused on looking forward to seeing him in ten days, when he’ll visit for a short break. My husband was kind–but reminded me that I should be happy that we have technology that lets us talk and see each other as often as we want. Of course I whined that it isn’t the same as a real hug. Mommy hearts, you see. Logical, yet illogical.
Oh yes, my head pulled me up–hauled me up, actually, and said, “get real! you know what you should be doing!”
What?
Practising Gratitude
Why?
There’s enough to feel grateful for, even if there’s enough to complain about. And being grateful is a much happier experience than complaining. Okay, after a wee bit of complaining just to vent it all out. But only 10 minutes of kvetching, okay?
So, here is the gratitude practice I use to calm down, that I’ve adapted from Dr.Rick Hanson. This is in addition to my gratitude journal–I start my day by listing five things in it.
If you need a great side-dish to go with this practice, the portable stress buster is perfect. And with the holiday season upon us, I am thinking this is a great habit to develop, to stay calm.
Practising Gratitude
Here’s what to do.
- Make 15 minutes.
- Find a comfortable place.
- Take a few deep breaths.
- And tweak the following as applicable to you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how many things rush to your head and make you feel fabulous.
Now, let’s begin.
I am grateful for my family, my friends. For their wonderful nature, for the things they do for me, for making me feel good, for the happy times.
I am grateful for my Mother, the wisdom, the grace, the inspiration and the motivation, when I miss her and feel low.
I am grateful for my son, for the joy he brings into my life, for his affection and warm hugs. For the lovely memories of his childhood. For being my “why”. For teaching me to be his Mom. For being unique.
I appreciate myself, for the things I do, for myself and for others. The cooking, cleaning, conversations, care. For the hours I work, the troubleshooting, the juggling, the patience, the giving. Yup. Self-love.
I am grateful for my life partner, for his love, his goodness, for the fun we have, the humor, the company, the support, the understanding, the empathy and the sympathy, for being my friend and for sharing the good and the bad.
I am grateful for my neighbors, who are my friends. Their love, the care and affection. The wonderful time we spend together, sharing coffee, stories.
I appreciate my life. My childhood, even if it wasn’t perfect. I am grateful for friends no longer in my life, and life lessons. Gratitude for my home, the food I have, the things I cherish. My health, my freedom. The air I breathe, the gifts I receive. This planet, the sun, the moon, the stars, the Universe. My being. For everything, both good and bad, in my life.
I am grateful for my community, your support and your love. The time you gift me when you visit my blog and read what I write, and share your thoughts. ♥
You can go on, for as long as you want to. Ah, the magic of gratitude!
If you need a quick fix, just grab a sheet of paper and pen, or power up your smartphone screen, and set the timer for 5 minutes. Then list as many things as you can, that you are grateful for. That shall be your prayer.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Join me for November’s Gratitude Circle blog hop with your own posts and link up below. The linky will be open for three weeks. Thank you!
38 comments
I am grateful to have come across a person as wonderful as you, Vidya, who spreads cheer, practices what she writes and shares and gives me hope that all is well in the world!
Like I always do, I loved reading this post too and this line, ‘limitless container of magic potion labeled gratitude’ is something I will think of often.
Wishing you happiness and health, Vidya and may you and your husband spend many more happy times with Vidur, very often:)
You say the most wonderful things, Mayuri! So happy to have you in my circle ❤️Hugs! Thank you for joining me!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Loved the way you have brought out the positive in everything !
Asha recently posted…A day in the Thar
Thank you Asha! I always appreciate you for keeping in touch! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Happy Thanksgiving, Vidya. Have a good time with Vidur when he is around soon.
Always a good habit to practise daily gratitude. Sorry to hear about the loved ones who passed away/in hospital. Strength to you and good vibes to the ones recuperating.
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…How to Overcome Blogging Guilt
Thank you for your kind wishes, Shailaja! Happy Thanksgiving.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Your Portable Stress Buster. No Special Equipment Needed.
It’s a challenge to practice gratefulness when things are difficult. Death and illness makes us afraid and sad.That’s when grateful ness is important and mist difficult.
Thank you for doing this even in such difficult times
Amrita Basu (Misra) recently posted…Thanksgiving &Thankful Thursdays (4)
Thank you so much Amrita. Years ago, when my Mom went through a chronic illness, I learned the magic of gratitude. Appreciating what we have changes the way we look at things, and keeps us from freaking out over what we don’t have. I am so glad to have you here! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
I loved prayer quote and yes, we have so much to be thankful about. And I agree with your hubby, be thankful you can see and talk to him. Remember the days when to make a call we had to stand in an STD booth? Gosh!! Now I feel old 😉
Hope your FIL is better now and wish him a speedy recovery.
Inderpreet Uppal recently posted…Laudable Lovely Ladies #FightingForTara
Oh I remember those days, Indu! In fact, I even think of the days when we had to book a call and wait at least two hours, hoping to be connected! STD booth– we used to catch the 10 pm to 11 pm so that we could take advantage of subsidised rates. Hahaha. If you feel old, imagine how I should feel! I think it is fun to have lived through all the changing times. Yes, my FIL is better. Thank you! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Happy Thanksgiving Vidya, to you and your family. I am sure everything will fall in place and things will be fine. People have been going out of their way to help during these trying times of demonitization. Where as the move is good but it has inconvenienced people. But I haven’t come across anyone yet who tried to add more trouble to it. I am still going cashless and only cash i have spent since the move is 150 INR. Linking up with my gratitude list as well.
Tina Basu recently posted…Thanksgiving Special #ThankfulThursdays
I believe that everything will fall in place, too, Tina! ❤️Thank you so much for joining me. (loving your photos on Facebook!)
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspiring Quotes on Mindfulness from Thích Nhất Hạnh
I agree with you that being grateful and thankful can make us happy and help us to look at positives in life. We often forget to count our blessings and see only negatives. Happy thanksgiving to you . Keep spreading happiness with your posts.
Deepa recently posted…My Gratitude Post For Novemeber
Thank you so much Deepa! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Your Portable Stress Buster. No Special Equipment Needed.
Oh yes, practicing gratitude is great way to stay stress free. Wishing a speedy recovery to your FIL. And I can so relate to the emotions you experienced. Stay strong, Mommy for your son will join you real soon! ♥
SHILPA GARG recently posted…Being Grateful
Thank you Shilpa! Yes, FIL is recovering slowly and we’re grateful for that! I am counting the days to Saturday! 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Voted. :O) It is important to remember our blessings.
Thank you so much LuAnn! I appreciate you ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Your Portable Stress Buster. No Special Equipment Needed.
Sorry to hear about the testing times in terms of poor health of your loved ones. As always your fortitude and kindness shines through. You’ve had a rollercoaster ride this month. Hope December is beautiful. Will try to write my post as well. Love and hugs!
Rachna Parmar recently posted…Demonetization and I
Thank you so much for joining me, Rachna! It is funny–no sooner than we overcome one thing, there’s another cropping up! Somehow we have learned to see the humor in everything. December WILL be beautiful because Vidur will be home for three weeks! Hugs! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Your Portable Stress Buster. No Special Equipment Needed.
Sorry to hear about your hard times. Yes! Thanks to the technology that you were able to see your son and speak to him. I remember my relatives longing to have a glimpse of their grandchildren whom they sometimes have never met for years.
Demonitization has had its effect in a number of ways this month. Hope the conditions changes and we get back to normalcy soon.
Thanks to all the people who are enduring the trouble and yet are calm in expectation of better days.
menaka bharathi recently posted…Gratitude – The Golden Thread That Strengthens Your Happiness
You are right, Menaka! I always admire the human spirit, which manages to tackle just about everything! Change is not easy! I am so glad we are connected–I enjoyed your beautiful post very much! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Sorry to hear about your loss and the loved ones who are in hospital. I hope you and your family find strength to endure the pain. Please don’t be disheartened. I hope your son comes home soon so that you can have a beautiful December. Hugs to you, Mam!
Shalini R recently posted…Gobi 65
Hugs and thanks for your kind words, Shalini! What goes down has to bounce back up, and I believe it will! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
That was such a lovely and eye-opening list, Vidya!
Been going through some mood-swings and causing myself unnecessary headache and heartache. This post and the gratitude list is just what I needed at this very moment! I am grateful, no doubt, but at times things just go wrong with the mind and its weird workings, no?
Thank you, sweetie, once again! Am feeling so much better now!
Hugs!
Aww, hugs Shilpa! So happy you feel better now! ❤️
Vidya Sury recently posted…Your Portable Stress Buster. No Special Equipment Needed.
I have been trying to find the link up to read the other posts… cant see it anywhere? Am I too late?
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Conjure Your Patronus
Hey Roshan–I see the linky! They are text links. In fact, linky’s open till December 15.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Dear Mom, Did You Read The Label? #readthelabel
Wonderful vidya ! so glad to be here to be reading this post; and its a timely and relevant for me; recovering from my being sick last two months, its so refreshing to shift focus not to take any of the things you mentioned above for granted. Thanks dear for sharing, infact I started counting my blessings to make myself feel better and believe that this too shall pass.. I would be glad to link here, I have lost track of these links and its been a long time. Thanks again, love and hugs to you, appreciate the tips you have added to remain grateful 🙂
G Angela recently posted…Counting my blessings
Hello Mam, Its so wonderful how you summed up Life so beautifully. You know what I used to cross the college your Son is in each day while going to my Job. Their campus is beautiful. Power to you and your family to endure this hard phase. Thanks for letting me count mine. I am glad to link up here. Its been too long.
upasna recently posted…Fresh from my Gratitude journal
Your gratitude posts always warm my heart. Sorry about the ill health and deaths.
Wonderful to know that Vidur will be around. Good times ahead. And your Instagram pictures are very cool. I am loving them all. Keep sharing. I am grateful that with you, I was able to learn and practice gratitude. Being grateful in life make the shifts from results to experiences and that means a lot in the long run.
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – November 2016
Thank you and hugs, Parul! He’s coming tomorrow! Thank you for saying the nicest things! You’ve summed up the feeling of gratitude perfectly! So happy you’ve joined the Gratitude Circle!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Giving Way To Happiness by @jennysanti
It’s so wonderful that you see all positives for every happening. Sorry for your loss, but as you said we should be grateful that they left the world without suffering.
Ramya recently posted…Gratitude List for Nov 2016 #NaBloPoMo #day30
True Ramya! I have no complaints, because Life always makes sure there’s a balance! Thank you for joining me.
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Giving Way To Happiness by @jennysanti
It sounds like life has been a bit rough on you lately, Vidya. My sympathies! You have such a positive outlook and that will likely see you through anything. Yes, there is a silver lining to everything, if you look for it.
Debbie D. recently posted…THE POWER OF GRATITUDE | #FlashbackFriday
Thank you dear Debbie! Yes, we just get used to the ride and try our best to tackle things. I am putting it all down to learning and experience–I doubt if I’ll ever get a better teacher than life. I’ve found that expecting good things make me work towards them, and of course– my folks love my attitude.
So happy to have you join me for the Gratitude Circle ❤️
You have the most positive outlook of anyone I know! 🙂 I don’t see my link. Tried to add it again and it says it already exists. Where could it be?
Debbie D. recently posted…METEORA: GREEK ODYSSEY PART VI
Thanks for catching that, Debbie! I found even I couldn’t see all the links! I didn’t check on the post because I get an email alert for every link added. I have fixed it now. 🙂 Changed the code. Now all the links show. It could be something to do with the way the links are displayed. ❤️ Thanks again for letting me know!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Giving Way To Happiness by @jennysanti